Mixing and conveying apparatus



c. w HODGSON,

IVIIXING AND CONVEYING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED IAN. 24,192I.

Patented July 25, 1922.

2 SHEETS-SIIEET I.

C. W. HODGSON.

MIXING AND CONVEYING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FIL ED JAN-24,1921.

Patented. July 25, 1922;

.2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

at tea.

CARL W. HODGSON, 01E CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

MIXING- AND CONVEYING APPARATUS.

ToaZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CARL W. HODGSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mixing and Conveying Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in mixing and conveying apparatus, particularly adapted though not necessarily limited in its use for mixing and conveying con crete to a point of utilization and one of the objects of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus of this character which will be effective and efficient in operation and-which will insure a complete dry mixture of the materials before being subjected to moisture and a furtherand complete mixture of the moist or wet materials.

To the attainment of these ends and the accomplishment of other new and useful objects as will appear, the invention con- Figure 3 is an enlarged detail view partly in elevation and partly in section showing a modified arrangement.

Figure 4 is a view partly in elevationand' partly in section of the discharge conduit and nozzle.

Figure 5 is a view in detail of the operating mechanism for one of the cut-offs.

Referring more particularly to the drawings the numeral 10, designates a mixing chamber which may be of any desired size and configuration but is preferably of a somewhat extended length so as to insure a complete and thorough mixture of the dry materials therein. This chamber 10, is provided with an inlet opening 11, into which a hopper 12, which is supported by a suitable support 13, discharges and a cutoff 14, is provided for controlling the delivery of the material from the hopper to the Specification of Letters Patent. Patented July 25, 1922.

Application filed January 24, 1921.

Serial No. 439,450.

chamber. This cut-0E 14, may be operated in any suitable manner.

The chamber 11, is provided with a discharge outlet end 15, which through the medium of a connecting passage 16, has communication with another chamber 17, the latter being preferably arranged below the chamber 10, and may be of any desired size and length.

Arranged within the chamber 10, is a shaft 18, which is journaled in suitable bearings 19, in the walls of the chamber and this shaft projects beyond the chamber and carries a suitable driving pulley 20, over which a driving belt 21, passes whereby the shaft 18, may be rotated.

Connected with the shaft 18, to rotate therewith are a plurality of spirally shaped agitator and conveyor elements; These elements 22 are spaced from each other in directions longitudinally of the shaft 18, so as to insure a complete and thorough mixture of the material and also insures a rapid forward movement of the mixture within the chamber 10, when the shaft 18, is operated.

Arranged within the chamber 17, is a shaft 23 which is journaled in suitable bearings 2 1, and this shaft 23, has also secured to it a plurality of spirally shaped agitating and conveying elements 25, which are likewise spaced from each other in directions longitudinally of the shaft 23.

The shafts 18 and 23, are preferably of a diameter considerably smaller than the interior diameter of the respective chambers 10 and 17.

Connected with the shaft 23, are pulleys 26-27 and 28, the pulleys 2627 are fast to the shaft while the pulley 28 is loosely mounted thereon.

Connected with the shaft 18, are a plurality of pulleys 29-30 and 31. The pulleys 30 and 31 are fast the shaft while the pulley 29 is loosely mounted thereon. A driving belt 32, is provided which co-operates with the pulleys on the respective shafts for operating them. 1

It will thus be seen that when the shaft 18, is rotated through themedium of the belt 21, and when the belt 32, is in the position shown, that is engaging over the pulleys 30 and 27, both of the shafts 18 and 23 will be rotated, but by shifting the belt 32, in any well known manner, one or the other of the shafts 23, may be rotated while the other remains idle.

The agitator and conveyor elements in the chamber 10, are so disposed that they will convey the material through the chamber 10, toward the outlet 15, and in a direction opposed to the direction of the feeding movement of the material through the chamber 17 by the elements 25.

A water pipe 33, discharges into the chamber 17, at any suitable point and the water is mixed with' the materials.

The chamber 17, is provided with a discharge outlet 34, for the wet mixed material and from this outlet 34, the wet material is conveyed by means of a chute or delivery spout 35, into one end of a receiving chamber 36, which latter may also be of any desired size and configuration and suitably located. A cut-ofi' 37, is provided for controlling the communicating passage between the chambers 17 and 36 and this cut-off 37, may be operated in any suitable manner preferably by means of an operating rod 38, having spaced arms 39-40 at the ends thereof which connect with the cut-off 37, so as to permit the cut-off 37, to be operated and at the same time prevent the arms 3940 from extending across the passageway 35.

Leading from the chamber 36, is a delivery conduit 41, which may be of any desired size, configuration and length for conveying the material to the point of utilization.

The conduit 41, terminates in an enlarged head or chamber 42, a portion of the wall 43, of which chamber is arranged opposite the conduit 41, so that the material which is discharged into the chamber 42, will strike the portion 43, of the wall and cause the material to flow out of the opening 44. Connected with the head of the conduit and communicating with the opening 44, is a flexible nozzle embodying a lurality of elements 45, flexibly connected together so that the discharge outlet may be deflected to direct or change the point "of delivery of the material whenever desired.

In the form of the invention shown in Figure 1 there is provided in the chamber .36, an agitator and conveyor element 46, for agitatingthe wet mixture and initially moving the same within the chamber. This element 46, may be of any desired construction and is preferably connected with a tubularshaft 47, journaled in suitable bearings 48, and connected with the shaft 47, is a gear wheel 49, which meshes with a gear wheel 50, on the shaft 23, so that when the shaft 23 is rotatedin the manner already described, the shaft 47, will be rotated and with it the agitator or element 46. This element 46, is preferably arranged adjacent the inlet opening of the chamber 36, but it is manifest that it may be arranged in any other suitable position within the chamber. 7

Passing through the shaft 47, is a pipe 51, having its discharge end 52, located in the chamber 36, and preferably in advance of the element 46. This pipe 51 receives a supply or blast of air or other fluid through a pipe 53, from any suitable source, and this blast of fluid upon the material in the chamber 36, forces or throws the material through the conduit 41, into the head 42. and out of the nozzle 45.

The sup 1y of fluid to the chamber 36, may be controlled in any suitable manner preferably by means of a valve 54, and this valve 54, is preferably connected through the medium of the element 38, with the cut-off 37. so that when the valve 54, is operated by means of a suitable handle or lever 55, the cut-off 37 will be correspondingly actuated and the cut-off and valve are so arranged that they will work in opposition to each other, that is to say when the valve 54, is closed the cut-ofl 37, is opened and when the cutoff 37, is closed the valve 54, is opened.

In the form of the invention shown in Figure 3, the delivery passage 35, from the chamber 17, is adapted to be controlled by means of a gravity valve or cut-off 56, which is pivotally mounted as at 57, in advance of the end 52, of the pi e 51, so that when the valve 54, which in t e present form of the invention may be located in any suitable position is opened to permit a discharge of fluid through the end 52, into the chamber 36, it will operate upon the cut-off 56, to move the same in a direction to close the communicating passage 35. During this movement of the cut-0H 56 it will force any of the wet mixture in advance thereof toward the conduit 41, and after the closure is in a position to close the passage 35, the blast of fluid will operate directly upon the material in the chamber 36, and will maintain the passage 35 closed. As soon as the valve 54, is closed to reduce the fluid pressure, then the closure 56, will drop by gravity into the position shown in Figure3.

It sometimes happens that when the 010- sures 37 and 56 are closed there will be an accumulation of the wet mixture within the chamber 17, and which accumulation, if not taken care of might cause some injury to the apparatus. In order to overcome this obection there is provided suitable means for compensating this accumulation of the material in the chamber 17.

To that end a simple and efficient means for taking care of this condition embodies a chamber 58, which is closed except for a communicating opening with the chamber 17. Thischamber 58, is preferably located adjacent the discharge end of the chamber 17 and has freely movable therein a plunger 59, which'is of a size to conform to and fit within the chamber 58. This plunger- 59, is provided with a stem 60, passing through a suitable guide 61, in the top of the chamber and a stop device 62, is carried by the stem and adapted to engage the guide 61, to limit the movement of the plunger 59 in'one direction.

In its normal position, the plunger 59, will assume the position shown in Figure 1 and as the material accumulates in the chamber 17, the accumulated material will operate gainst the plunger 59, to move it into the amber 58, and as the plunger 59, rises, any airwhich may be contained within the chamber above the plunger will escape through a suitable vent opening 63, controlled by a I valve 64.

When the cut-0E 37, is opened and the material is delivered from the chamber 17 to the chamber 36, the plunger 59, should be returned to its normal positionand which return movement will force out or eject the accumulated material from the chamber 17.

To that end the plunger may be moved in opposition to the valve 64 controlling the,

vent 63, so that when the valve 64 is opened to permit the fluid pressure to act upon the plunger 59, the vent 64 will be closed, and

when the vent 64, is opened to permit the plunger 59, to rise freely under the influence of the material acting upon the plunger, the valve 67 is closed.

These valves may be operated in any suit-' able manner such as by means of a connecting rod or operating element 68, which in turn is connected to a link 69, pivotally supported as at 7 O, and connected with the element 68, and also with the element 38, as at 71, so that by operating the link 69, by means of an operating handle 7 2, the valves 6764 will not only, be simultaneously operated but the cut-ofl 37, and valve 54, will also be operated.

If desired, the link 69 may be disconnected from the connecting element 38 and the separate handle 55, may be employed forioperating the cut-ofl' 37 and the valve 54.

A suitable stop device 7 3, may be provided, if desired, for limitin ment of the cut-ofl 37, in one direction.

As a means whereby the chamberslO and 17, may be'cleaned out after the mechanism has been used, so as to remdve any of the mixture which may adhere to the walls of the chamber, there may be provided a pipe 74, which is connected with the pipe 65. This pipe-74, discharges as at 75, at a suitable proximate ends of adjacent helicoids overthe shifting movepoint in the chamber 10 and the valve 76, is provided for controllingfthe discharge of fluid through the outlet 75. Thus, when the machine is not in operation or, when there are no materials being mixed in the chambers, the valve 76, may be opened to permit a blast of fluid to pass through the machine.

While the preferred forms of the invention have been herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various changes maybe made in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed as new is:

1. An a paratus of the character described em odying two chambers, one of the chambers discharging into the other, a combinedmixer and conveyor in each of the chambers 'and embodying helicoids spaced in directions lengthwise of their axes, the proximate ends of adjacent helicoids overlapping, means for actuating them, means for delivering a dry mixture into one of the chambers, means for delivering a liquid into the other chamber, a receiving chain her for receiving the wet mixture, a deliveryconduit connected with the last recited chamber, and means for directing a blast of fluid into the said receiving chamber for discharging the mixture through the said conduit.

2. An apparatus of the character described embodying two chambers, one of the chambers discharging into the other, a combined mixer and conveyor in each of the chambers and embodying helicoids-spaced in directions lengthwise of their axes, the

i106 lapping, means for actuating them, the said means embodying provisions whereby either ,one of the said mixers and conveyors may be rendered inactive while the other is rendered active, means for delivering a dry 116 mixture into one of the chambers, meansfor delivering a liquid into the other chamber, a receiving chamber, for receiving the wet mixture, a delivery conduit connected with the last recited chamber, and means for -directing a blast of fluid into the said receiving chamber for discharging the mixture throu h the said conduit.

3. n apparatus of the character described embodying two chambers, one of the 1.2a

chambers discharging into the other, a combined conveyor and mixer in each of the chambers and embodying helicoids spaced in directions lengthwise of their axes, the proximate ends of adjacent helicoids over- 126 lapping, means for actuating them, a hopper communicating with one of the chambers for supplying to the said chamber the materials to be mixed therein, a cut-ofl' between the chamber and hopper, means fordeliv- 13c ering a fluid to the other chamber to be mixed with the materials therein, a delivery conduit for receiving from one of the chambers the wet mixture formed therein, and a blast pipe discharging into the said conduit for ejecting'the wet mixture therefrom.

4. An apparatus of the character described embodying two chambers, one of the chambers discharging into the other, a combined conveyor and mixer in each of the chambers and embodying helicoids spaced in directions lengthwise of their axes, the proximate ends of adjacent helicoids overlapping, means for actuating them, a hopper communicating with one of the chambers for supplying to the said chamber the materials to be mixed therein, a cut-off between the chamber and hopper, means for delivering a fluid to the other chamber to be mixed with the materials therein, a delivery conduit for receiving from one of the chambers the wet mixture formed therein, mechanical means operating in a portion of the conduit for moving the wet mixture therein, and a blast pipe discharging into the said conduit for ejecting the wet mixture therefrom.

5. An apparatus of the character described embodying two chambers, one of the chambers discharging into the other, a combined conveyor and mixer in each of the chambers and embodying helicoids spaced in directions lengthwise of their axes, the proximate ends of adjacent helicoids overlapping, means for actuating them, a hopper communicating with one of the chambers for supplying to the said chamber the materials to be mixed therein, a cut-o'fi' between the chamber and hopper, means for delivering a fluid to the other chamber to be mixed with the materials therein, a delivery conduit for receiving from one of the chamberstzhe wet mixture formed therein, a blast pipe discharging into the saidconduit for ejecting the wet mixture therefrom, and a cut-off disposed between the conduit and the chamber from which the conduit receives the wet mixture, to cut oi? the supply to the conduit.

6. An apparatus of the character described embodying a chamber for a dry mixture, means for supplying the materials thereto, another chamber for receiving the dry mixture from the first recited chamber,

means for delivering a liquid to the second recited chamber for producin a wet mixture therein, mixing means Individual to the chambers, a delivery outlet from one of the chambers, means for controlling the said outlet, and means operating automatically to compensate the accumulating material in one of the said chambers when the said outlet is closed or restricted.

7. An apparatus of the character described embodying a chamber for a dry mixture,

means for supplying the materials thereto, another chamber for receiving the dry mixture from the first recited chamber, means for delivering a liquid to the second recited chamber for producing a wet mixture therein, mixing means individual to the chambers, a delivery outlet from one of the chambers, means for controlling the said outlet, means operating automatically to compensate the accumulating material in one of the said chambers when the said outlet is closed or restricted, and means for causing the last recited means to operate to eject the said accumulated material when the said outlet is open.

8. An apparatus of the character described embodying a chamber for a dry mixture, means for supplying the materials thereto, another chamber for receiving the dry mixture from the first recited chamber, means for-delivering a liquid to the second recited chamber for producing a wet mixture there- Stir in, mixing means individual to the chambers, a delivery outlet from one of the chambers, means for controlling the said outlet, means operating automatically to com ensate the accumulating material in one of the said chambers when the said outlet is closed or restricted, the last recited means embodying a movable element adapted to be automatically displaced by the action of the materials thereupon, and means controllable at will for exerting a fluid pressure upon the said element to cause the element to eject the accumulated material when the said outlet isopen.

9. An apparatus of the character described embodying a chamber for a dry mixture, means for supplying the materials thereto, another chamber for receiving the dry mixture from the first recited chamber, means for delivering a liquid to the second recited chamber for producing a wet mixture therein, mixing means individual to the chambers, a delivery outlet from one of the chambers, means for controlling the said outlet, means operating automatically to com ensate the accumulating material in one o the said chambers when the said outlet is closed or restricted, the last recited means embodying a chamber, a plunger in the chamber, said plunger being movable by the action of the accumulating material thereagainst, and means for operating the plunger to eject the accumulated material when the said outlet is open.

10. An apparatus of the character described embodying a chamber for a dry mixture, means for supplying the materials thereto, another chamber for receiving the dry mixture from the first recited chamber, means for delivering a liquid to the second recited chamber for producing a wet mixture therein, mixing means individual to the chambers, a delivery outlet from one of 1 ,42s,sss

side of the plunger, means for causing a,

fluid pressure to operate on the opposite side of the plunger in the plunger chamber to cause the plunger to eject the said accumulated material when the said outlet is open, and a vent for permitting the escape of the fluid from the plunger chamber.

11. An apparatus of the character described embodying a chamber for a dry mixture, means for supplying the materials thereto, another chamber for receiving the dry mixture from the first recited chamber, means for delivering a liquid to the second recited chamber for producing a wet mixture therein, mixing means individual to the chambers, a delivery outlet from one of the chambers, means for controlling the said outlet, means operating automatically to compensate the accumulating material in one of the said chambers when the said outlet is closed or restricted, the last recited means embodying a chamber, a plunger in the last recited chamber and movable by the action of the accumulating material against one side of the plunger, means for causing a fluid pressure to operate on the opposite side of the plunger in the plunger chamber to cause the plunger to eject the said accumulated material when the said outlet-is open, the last recited means embodying a cut-01f for the fluid, and a vent for the chamber, the said vent and the said cut-of! operating in opposition to, each other.

12. An apparatus of the character described embodying a mixing chamber, a receiving chamber communicating therewith, a discharge conduit leading from the said receiving chamber, a freely pivoted cut-ofi between the two chambers, and means for directing a blast of fluid into the said receiving chamber for forcing the said mixture through the said conduit, the said blast also operating to automatically actuate the said cut-ofl to close the communication between the said chambers.

13. An apparatus of the character described embodying a mixing chamber, a receivin chamber communicating therewith, adisc arge conduit leading from the said receivin chamber, an outlet connected with the con uit, a freely pivoted cut-of between the chambers, and means for directing a blast of fluid into the "said receiving chamber for forcing the said-mixture out of the conduit.

14. An apparatus of the character described embodying a mixing chamber, a receiving chamber communicating therewith, a discharge conduit leading from the said receiving chamber, an outlet connected with the conduit, a freely pivoted cut-off between the chambers, and means for directing a blast of fluid into the said receiving chamber for forcing the said mixture out of the conduit, the said blast also operating upon the said cut-ofi' to actuate the same.

- 15. An apparatus of the character described embodying a mixing chamber, a receiving chamber communicating therewith for receiving the material therefrom, a delivery conduit leading from the receiving chamber, means for directing a blast of fluid into the receiving chamber for discharging the mixture therefrom and through the said conduit, means for controlling the delivery of the blast of fluid, and means operating in opposition to the last recited means for controlling the communication between the said chambers.

16. An apparatus of the character described embodying a mixing chamber, a receiving chamber communicating therewith for receiving the material therefrom, a delivery conduit leading from the receiving chamber, means for directing a blast of fluid into the receiving chamber for discharging the mixture therefrom and through the said conduit, means for controlling the delivery of the blast of fluid, and means operating in opposition to the last recited means for controlling the communication between the said chambers, the last recited means embodying a gravity actuated cut-ofl' upon which the blast of fluid operates.

17. An apparatus of the character described embodying a mixing chamber, means within the chamber for mixing the materials and for conveying them therethrough, a receiving chamber, means whereby the mixed materials may be delivered from the receiving chamber, the first recited means embodying a shaft and a plurality of helicoids connected therewith, said helicoids being spaced from each other in direction lengthwise of the shaft, the proximate ends of adjacent 'helicoids overlapping each other and means for rotating the shaft.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, on this 212st day of January, A. D. 1921.

. CARL W. HODGSON. 

